South Korean Fighter Jets Accidentally Bomb Residential Area, Injuring 29

A military exercise in South Korea took a disastrous turn when South Korean fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs on a residential area, injuring at least 29 people. The accident occurred on Thursday during a live-fire drill conducted jointly with U.S. forces, highlighting concerns over safety measures in military training exercises.

Bombing Accident During Live-Fire Drill

According to South Korea’s Air Force, two KF-16 South Korean fighter jets were engaged in the exercise when eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs were mistakenly released outside the designated range. The incident took place around 10:07 a.m. in Pocheon, a city northeast of Seoul. The bombs struck civilian infrastructure, including homes and a church, causing significant damage.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the bombing accident resulted from a pilot inputting incorrect coordinates. However, officials have not ruled out the possibility of a technical malfunction. Images from the aftermath showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the affected area, resembling a battlefield.

Casualties and Damage

Among the 29 injured individuals, 14 were military personnel, while 15 were civilians. Two civilians sustained serious injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care. The bombing accident destroyed two residential buildings, damaged a church, and wrecked a truck.

Pocheon Mayor Baek Young-hyun described the scene as “chaotic” and called for a thorough investigation to ensure such incidents do not recur. In response, the South Korean military has suspended all live-fire training until the inquiry is completed.

Military Response and Investigation

The South Korean Air Force issued an apology, expressing regret for the damage caused by the bombing accident and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. A special investigation team has been formed to determine the exact cause and assess the extent of the destruction. Authorities have also promised compensation for those affected.

The U.S. military, which was part of the joint training, clarified that no American aircraft were involved in the mishap. A spokesperson for the United States Forces Korea (USFK) stated that while live-fire drills have been suspended, other planned military exercises will proceed as scheduled.

Tensions and Regional Reactions

The South Korean fighter jets were participating in the annual Freedom Shield military drills, which are aimed at strengthening the U.S.-South Korea alliance. The exercise, running from March 10 to March 20, often provokes strong reactions from North Korea, which sees such drills as a threat to its sovereignty.

Following the incident, North Korea criticized the exercises, calling them an infringement on its security. Pyongyang has historically responded to U.S.-South Korea military cooperation with missile tests and aggressive rhetoric.

With tensions in the region already high, this bombing accident raises further concerns about military readiness and civilian safety. The investigation’s findings will be crucial in preventing similar tragedies in the future and ensuring proper safety protocols in military exercises.